Black Budgie is Anthracite Budgie Color Mutation

Black Budgie or anthracite budgie is a unique and striking color mutation. This results in a dark, sooty-gray coloration that sets it apart from the more commonly seen green and yellow budgies.

Anthracite Budgerigar Color Mutation

Budgerigars, commonly known as budgies or parakeets, are a popular species of parrot that come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. One of these color variations is the anthracite budgie, which is a relatively recent mutation that has gained popularity among budgie enthusiasts.

An elegant appearance, a truly unique sooty-gray color with a metallic sheen is a dark anthracite budgie. This coloration is caused by a mutation in the melanin-producing cells in the bird’s feathers. Unlike other budgie colors, which are influenced by multiple genes, the anthracite color is controlled by a single dominant gene. This means that breeding two anthracite budgies will produce offspring that are also anthracite.

One of the distinctive features of the anthracite budgie is its dark, black eyes, which stand out against the bird’s gray feathers. They also have a black beak, legs, and feet, giving them a sleek and polished look.
Anthracite budgies have friendly and playful personalities not only a unique coloration. They are intelligent and social birds that thrive on human interaction and enjoy playing with toys and perching on their shoulders.

The anthracite budgie is still relatively rare and is primarily found in specialty bird shops and avian breeding facilities. Because it is a relatively new mutation, there is a limited gene pool for this color variation, which can make it challenging for breeders to produce healthy, genetically diverse offspring.
In conclusion, the anthracite budgie is a striking and unique color variation that is sure to turn heads and captivate the attention of bird enthusiasts. With its dark, elegant appearance and friendly personality, this is a bird that is sure to make a wonderful companion for years to come.

How do you breed an anthracite budgie?

Breeding anthracite budgies involves understanding the genetics behind the rare color mutation and carefully selecting healthy birds to breed. As all breeding budgies same as anthracite, there are the steps to follow to breed anthracite budgies:

• Choose the right gene birds to breed: To breed anthracite budgies, you need to breed two birds that carry the dominant gene for the color mutation. You need to select budgies that are already anthracite or a pair of budgies that have one or two parents that are anthracite. The most expensive method is to use genetic testing to determine which birds carry the gene of dark anthracite budgie.
• Establish a healthy breeding environment: Before breeding, make sure that both birds are healthy and in good condition. Provide a spacious cage with plenty of toys and perches, and ensure that they have a balanced diet that includes seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a high-quality pellet mix.
• Pair the birds: When selecting birds to breed, it is important to consider their temperament and compatibility. Birds that get along well and are not aggressive toward each other are more likely to breed successfully.
• Incubate the eggs: Once the birds have mated and laid eggs, place them in an incubator to hatch. Incubation usually takes around 18 days.
• Raise the chicks: Once the chicks hatch, provide them with plenty of food and water, and make sure that they are kept warm and comfortable. As they grow, encourage socialization by handling them frequently and exposing them to a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences.
• Determine the chicks’ coloration: Once the chicks have reached maturity, you can determine their coloration and whether they are anthracite. It is important to keep in mind that the chicks may not show their full coloration until they reach adulthood.

Breeding anthracite budgies requires patience, dedication, and a good understanding of genetics. However, with the right resources and a little bit of luck, you can produce these beautiful and unique birds that are sure to capture the hearts of bird enthusiasts everywhere.

Where did the name Anthracite Budgie come from?

The name “anthracite” for the budgerigar color mutation likely comes from the similarity between the bird’s dark, sooty-gray coloration and the naturally occurring mineral anthracite coal.

Anthracite coal is a high-grade, metamorphic form of coal that is known for its hard, shiny appearance and dark, nearly black color. The similarity between the appearance of the coal and the dark, metallic sheen of the anthracite budgie’s feathers likely led to the use of the term “anthracite” to describe the color mutation.

In conclusion, the name “anthracite” for the budgerigar color mutation was likely inspired by the appearance of the naturally occurring mineral anthracite coal, due to its similarity to the dark, sooty-gray coloration of the bird’s feathers.

Genetics of Anthracite Budgies – Black Budgie

The genetics of the anthracite budgie color mutation is relatively straightforward, as it is controlled by a single dominant gene. This means that a budgie only needs to inherit one copy of the gene from either parent to display the anthracite coloration.

The gene responsible for the anthracite coloration is thought to influence the production of melanin, a pigment that gives feathers their color. In anthracite budgies, the gene produces a higher amount of melanin, which results in the dark, sooty-gray coloration.

When breeding anthracite budgies, it is important to understand the genetic principles of dominant and recessive genes. If you breed two anthracite budgies together, all of the offspring will also be anthracite. However, if you breed an anthracite budgie with a budgie of a different color, the offspring will be a mix of both colors, with some carrying the anthracite gene and others not.

In conclusion, the genetics of the anthracite budgie color mutation is straightforward and easily understood. By selecting birds that carry the gene and understanding the principles of dominant and recessive genes, you can produce healthy, genetically diverse offspring that display beautiful and unique anthracite coloration.